On March 19, the U.S.-based human rights think tank Freedom House released its Freedom in the World report. Hong Kong scored 41 points and was classified as a “Partly Free” region, with 0 points in the “Political Rights” category. Taiwan scored 93 points and was rated “Free,” while China remained at an extremely low score of 9, classified as “Not Free.”
Hong Kong ‘political rights’ score: 0
Freedom House released its latest Freedom in the World report on March 19. This year’s theme is The Growing Shadow of Autocracy, with scores based on two major indicators: “Political Rights” and “Civil Liberties.”
Hong Kong scored 41 out of 100, placing it in the “Partly Free” category, the same as Lebanon and the Maldives. Last year Hong Kong scored 40, so this year shows a slight increase of 1 point, mostly due to gains in “Civil Liberties.”
The report notes that in terms of “Political Rights,” Hong Kong received zero points in all three indicators of electoral freedom and fairness. For political pluralism, Hong Kong only earned 4 out of a total of 12 points across four indicators. The report criticizes the dissolution of parties such as the Democratic Party and the League of Social Democrats, noting that remaining parties are largely seen as pro-Beijing, lacking independence from the government.
The report also notes that while Hong Kong scored 3 out of 4 points in anti-corruption measures, last year’s Wang Fuk fire exposed weak government oversight and corruption in the construction industry, and the Hong Kong government has used anti-corruption laws to punish dissenters.
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In the “Civil Liberties” category, Hong Kong’s score rose slightly from 31 last year to 32 this year. Freedom House attributes this to a decrease in incidents of excessive force and extrajudicial violence in recent years, including fewer abductions to China and large-scale attacks on protesters. However, the organization emphasized that authorities have shifted to other means of control.
China scores 9, classified as ‘Not Free’
China’s total score remained extremely low at 9, continuing to be classified as “Not Free.” Its “Political Rights” score even received an extreme rating of –2 points. The report states that Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping continues to purge senior military and political officials under the guise of anti-corruption, and the police continue to suppress growing civic and labor protests. Tibet remains at 0 points, and Freedom House specifically warns that the Ethnic Unity Promotion Law will intensify forced assimilation policies, further suppressing Tibetan culture and language.
Taiwan scores 93, classified as ‘Free’
Taiwan scored 93 points and continues to be rated “Free,” ranking second in Asia only to Japan (96 points). In “Political Rights,” Taiwan earned 38 out of 40 points. In “Civil Liberties,” it scored 55 out of 60, a slight drop of 1 point compared to 2025.
The report notes that Taiwan’s democratic system remains resilient. Its mature democratic institutions can internally correct errors, maintaining responsive governance even under external threats and internal pressures.
The report also points out that the freedom index has dropped dramatically in 24 countries and regions over the past 20 years. Hong Kong’s cumulative decline of 26 points is comparable to Guinea-Bissau in West Africa. Historical data show that Hong Kong scored 59 in 2018, then gradually declined each year, dropping to 43 in 2021 after the implementation of the National Security Law, and reaching a historic low of 40 in 2024.
Hong Kong residents react to 41 points
According to The Stand News, the contrast between the scores for China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan has sparked heated online discussion. For Taiwanese, a score of 93 may feel normal, but for Hongkongers who experienced the changes, it represents a lost era. One user wrote on Threads: “Seeing Hong Kong’s freedom drop 26 points over the past 20 years is truly disheartening.”
Some Hong Kong netizens questioned or mocked the 41-point score, with comments like “I don’t agree with Hong Kong’s score” and “Many Hongkongers would say this score is generous.” Others pessimistically noted, “Taiwan prospers, but Hong Kong only demonstrates what cliff-like loss of freedom looks like.” Many pointed out the lack of accountability and space for protest after major incidents, suggesting that Hong Kong’s score could realistically be even lower. One user lamented, “It’s heartbreaking that Hong Kong was once the brightest star in Asia.”
Public records show that Freedom House, founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit organization focused on promoting democracy, protecting human rights, advancing political freedom, and safeguarding freedom of expression. Its mission is to “give a clear voice to democracy and freedom worldwide and to denounce authoritarian regimes.”
By Li Jingyao
